There’s nothing I love more than an elopement in the mountains that ends with some epic stargazing over a lake. Documenting Aubrey and Rowan’s Glacier National Park elopement at Ryan Beach was so wholesome and heartwarming. This Kansas couple traveled to Northwest Montana with 11 of their loved ones to say “I do” overlooking Lake McDonald. After a family ceremony and celebration, I snagged Aubrey and Rowan for a tour around Glacier National Park. But the best part of the day was ending our time together with s’mores and stargazing.
Glacier National Park Elopement at Ryan Beach
For the past 4 years, Aubrey and Rowan have been completing their college degrees and renovating their house. Now that they are graduates, they are officially ready to kickoff the next chapter of their lives as a married couple (and new dog parents) with some much-needed travel. First stop on their adventure bucket list? Glacier National Park, of course! Growing up in a small town in Kansas, they knew they wanted to elope rather than have a traditional wedding. Because they share a mutual love of camping, fishing, and hunting, Northwest Montana was the way to go.
Aubrey and Rowan’s wedding day began at a Kalispell Airbnb, where all 11 guests stayed. The ladies got ready separately from the guys to ensure the couple didn’t catch a peek until the ceremony. The energy at the Airbnb as everyone bustled around getting ready was so fun and joyful. All the guests wore shades of blue, green, and incorporated florals, which was a unique way to include everyone. For Aubrey’s “something blue”, Rowan wore a blue floral tie and matching pocket square. Every detail the couple chose was done so with so much intention.
Lake McDonald Elopement in Glacier National Park
After everyone was finished getting ready at the vacation rental, we made the short drive from Kalispell to Ryan Beach in Glacier National Park. As Aubrey made her way down to the shore between her parents, Rowan never took his eyes off her. The ceremony was kept short and sweet, as loved ones gazed upon the couple overlooking the breathtaking views of Lake McDonald.
After the ceremony wrapped up, guests were ushered to the picnic area for cake and champagne. What more could you ask for!? While guests enjoyed cake and champagne, Aubrey and Rowan sealed up their unity box — complete with a bottle of Montana wine and handwritten letters to be read on their one year anniversary. We then took family formal photos along Ryan Beach before the couple and I went off on our adventure through the park.
The first stop on our afternoon tour was along Going to the Sun Road for bridal portraits and a picnic. The newlyweds had the opportunity to just enjoy time together, enjoying their sandwiches, and taking in every bit of the moment. Even though elopements are typically less stressful and hectic than traditional weddings, I do everything within me to allow my couples plenty of time to just enjoy their day; after-all, a wedding day is more than just pretty pictures! The rest of the afternoon was spent viewing wildlife and making stops at Big Bend and Logan Pass for bridal portraits.
Where to Elope in Glacier National Park | Sydney Breann Photography
Aubrey and Rowan’s Glacier National Park elopement at Ryan Beach concluded at the couple’s campsite, where they had rented a camper-van to use for their honeymoon to Canada. The couples enjoyed s’mores and a campfire in their wedding attire before we made our way to the lake for some epic stargazing. If you know me, you know I’m alllllll about ending an elopement with stargazing (especially if we’re lucky enough to catch the Northern Lights).
Searching for more Glacier National Park elopement inspiration? Head over to the blog where blogs go live weekly. If you can’t wait a whole other week, be sure to follow me over on the ‘Gram (@sydneybreannphoto)! I’ve probably kept you here long enough by now, so until next time… are you ready to wander?
Vendor Team:
Photography – Sydney Breann Photography
Officiant – Tom Paris
Hair + Makeup – Elegance by Joy Renee
Florals – Two Kay’s Flower Farm
Dress – Brick & Bustle, Geneva by Zavana Bridal
Suit – Men’s Warehouse, Awearness by Kenneth Cole
Cake – Mountain Mama’s Cupcakery
